Header type notification for co-existence of legacy header and new headers on same radio link

ABSTRACT

The exemplary embodiments of this invention generally relate to message header-type notification that, for example, enables the co-existence of a legacy header type with one or more new header types on a same radio link. In one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, a method includes: determining a type of medium access control (MAC) header to transmit in a MAC transmission; setting a value of a notification field in a resource allocation message based on the determined type of MAC header; and transmitting the resource allocation message. In another non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, a method includes: receiving a resource allocation message having a notification field; and using a value of the notification field to determine a type of medium access control (MAC) header for a MAC transmission.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application was originally filed as PCT Application No.PCT/IB2008/051613 on Apr. 25, 2008 and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/926,478 filed on Apr. 27, 2007, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of this invention relategenerally to wireless communication systems, methods, devices andcomputer program products and, more specifically, relate to techniquesfor sending messages through a wireless communication system, including,but not limited to, WiMAX and WiMAX-type wireless communication systemsthat include, or that do not include, at least one relay.

BACKGROUND

Various abbreviations that appear in the specification and/or in thedrawing figures are defined as follows:

AP access point

BS base station

CID connection identifier

CRC cyclic redundancy code

CS convergence sublayer

DCD downlink configuration descriptor

DL downlink (BS to MS)

DL-MAP downlink MAP

HT header type

IE information element

IMT international mobile telecommunications

IS infrastructure station

MAC media access control

MPDU MAC PDU

MR multi-hop relay

MS mobile station

PDU protocol data unit

R-DL-MAP relay Downlink MAP

R-MAP relay MAP

RS relay station

R-UL-MAP relay Uplink MAP

SBC-REQ SS basic capability request

SBC-RSP SS basic capability response

SS subscription station

TG task group

UCD uplink configuration descriptor

UL uplink (MS to BS)

UL-MAP uplink MAP

VoIP voice over internet protocol

WG working group

WiMAX worldwide interoperability for microwave access (IEEE 802.16standard)

A wireless communication system may or may not include a relay node ornetwork. One example of a relay network is a multi-hop system in whichend nodes (MS/SS) are connected to the BS or AP via at least one RS. Allof the traffic between the MS/SS and the BS/AP passes through and may beprocessed by the at least one RS. An example of such a relay concept isthe 802.16 MR, which is a new study item established in the IEEE 802.16WG. The MR-related effort focuses on defining a network system that usesRSs to extend the network coverage and/or enhance system throughput. Anexemplary usage scenario of the RS is shown in FIG. 1.

In this non-limiting example, there is a BS 1, a MS 2, a SS 3 (such as aportable computer having wireless communication capability), and a RS 4.Note in this example that the MS 2 is first directly connected to the BS1 (with no interposed RS), and after movement the MS 2 is connected tothe BS 1 via the RS 4. The SS 3 is assumed for this example to belocated such that it is always connected to the BS 1 via the RS 4. TheBS 1 can provide connectivity to one or more communication networks,including the Internet, for enabling browsing, downloads, uploads andvoice communication, such as VoIP communications, as non-limitingexamples.

In general, in many different types of communication systems, whenmessages are transmitted from one node to another node a header is used.The header may indicate the type of message, a connection identifierand/or the type of message payload, as non-limiting examples of messageheader information. In IEEE 802.16 d/e (WiMAX), a generic MAC header isdefined at the MAC layer. FIG. 3 shows a MAC PDU with a conventional(legacy) generic WiMAX MAC header.

Recently, new technology TGs have been created within IEEE 802.16. Oneis known as IEEE 802.16j (relay), which is tasked with defining theintroduction of relays between the BS and MS. Another new group is IEEE802.16m, which is tasked with defining the evolution of WiMAX and thesupport of IMT-A requirements.

The relay TG (IEEE 802.16j) has introduced another link, the relay link,between the BS 1 and the RS 4, and between RSs. Similarly, 802.16m isdefining enhancements to the access link. Both of these approaches,however, will need to support the legacy IEEE 802.16e specifications,even though the new links may have different requirements and featuresand, therefore, may require new MAP headers to support enhancedfeatures.

One approach would be to define a new header by modifying the genericMAC header. Another approach would be to define a totally new genericMAC header(s) suitable for use with the new links. However, in the firstapproach (modifying the generic MAC header to define a new header) thereis overhead involved in using header information fields that are notrelevant for the newly defined links (e.g., for the relay of 802.16mlinks). In addition, most of the bits in the generic MAC header arealready defined for use, thereby limiting the scope of the informationthat can be included in the new header type.

It may therefore be preferable to define a new header or headers thatare suitable for the newly defined links. However, one also needs tosupport legacy headers in order to continue to support legacy devicesand/or legacy features for new devices.

SUMMARY

The below summary section is intended to be merely exemplary andnon-limiting.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method comprising:determining a type of medium access control (MAC) header to transmit ina MAC transmission; setting a value of a notification field in aresource allocation message based on the determined type of MAC header;and transmitting the resource allocation message.

In another exemplary embodiment, a program storage device readable by amachine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by themachine for performing operations, said operations comprising:determining a type of medium access control (MAC) header to transmit ina MAC transmission; setting a value of a notification field in aresource allocation message based on the determined type of MAC header;and transmitting the resource allocation message.

In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: means fordetermining a type of medium access control (MAC) header to transmit ina MAC transmission; means for setting a value of a notification field ina resource allocation message based on the determined type of MACheader; and means for transmitting the resource allocation message.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method comprising: receiving aresource allocation message comprising a notification field; and using avalue of the notification field to determine a type of medium accesscontrol (MAC) header for a MAC transmission.

In another exemplary embodiment, a program storage device readable by amachine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by themachine for performing operations, said operations comprising: receivinga resource allocation message comprising a notification field; and usinga value of the notification field to determine a type of medium accesscontrol (MAC) header for a MAC transmission.

In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: means forreceiving a resource allocation message comprising a notification field;and means for using a value of the notification field to determine atype of medium access control (MAC) header for a MAC transmission.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of exemplary embodiments of thisinvention are made more evident in the following Detailed Description,when read in conjunction with the attached Drawing Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary RS use scenario;

FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of various exemplary electronicdevices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplaryembodiments of this invention in a MR system;

FIG. 3 shows a MAC PDU with a conventional (legacy) generic WiMAX MACheader;

FIG. 4 shows an example of the conventional generic MAC header and thevarious fields that are contained therein, and reproduces FIG. 19a ofthe IEEE 802.16e-2005 specification in section 6.3.2.1.1 Generic MACheader;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary MAC PDU with a new generic MAC header;

FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting example of a TDD DL sub-frame containingDL-MAP and UL-MAP portions that are modified in accordance with theexemplary embodiments of this invention to include HT_Notificationfields;

FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram that depicts a non-limiting example of amethod, and the operation of a computer program product, executed by acomponent of a communication system, in accordance with the exemplaryembodiments of this invention; and

FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart illustrating another non-limiting example ofa method, and the operation of a computer program product, executed by acomponent of a communication system, in accordance with the exemplaryembodiments of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order for both types of headers (i.e., legacy headers and newheaders) to co-exist, some type of signaling should be provided. Priorto the invention described below, this signaling did not exist.

The exemplary embodiments of this invention relate to messageheader-type notification enabling the co-existence of a legacy headertype with one or more new header types on a same radio link Note thatwhile the exemplary embodiments of this invention are described belowlargely in the context WiMAX technology, the use of these exemplaryembodiments is not confined to any one particular type of radiocommunication technology and/or radio access technology.

Reference is made first to FIG. 2 for illustrating a simplified blockdiagram of various electronic devices that are suitable for use inpracticing the exemplary embodiments of this invention. In FIG. 2 a MRnetwork or system 30 includes at least one MS 22 (or SS), at least oneRS 24 and at least one BS (or AP) 21. The MS 22 and BS 21 each include asuitable controller, such as a data processor (DP) 22A, 21A, operativelycoupled with a memory (MEM) 22B, 21B, respectively. Each of the MS 22and BS 21 includes at least one wireless (e.g., radio frequency)transceiver 22C, 21C, respectively. The at least one RS 24 is assumed tobe similarly constructed, and may include a DP 24A and associated MEM24B, and is adapted for communication with the MS 22 and the BS 21 withat least one or two, as shown, wireless transceivers 24C, 24D. Note thatthe RS 24 may be coupled directly to the MS 22, or indirectly coupledvia one or more other RSs 26, and may be coupled directly to the BS 1,or indirectly coupled via one or more other RSs 28. Any such additionalRSs 26, 28 may have a structure and/or components similar to theillustrated RS 24. Note as well that the MS 22 may be coupled directlyto the BS 21, and in this case communication traffic need not passthrough the one or more RSs 24, 26, 28. The BS 21 and RS 24 may berepresented by the term infrastructure station (IS). The memories 22B,21B and 24B are assumed to include program instructions, executable bythe associated DPs 22A, 21A and 24A, respectively, for operation inaccordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, asdescribed in further detail below. The BS 21 may further be coupled toone or more components (e.g., a radio network controller), nodes,networks 32, network backbones or systems, such as the internet, forexample.

In general, the exemplary embodiments of this invention may beimplemented at least in part by computer software executable by the DPs22A, 21A, 24A, or by hardware, or by a combination of software andhardware.

In general, the various exemplary embodiments of the MS 22 can include,but are not limited to, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants(PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computershaving wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices suchas digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gamingdevices having wireless communication capabilities music storage andplayback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internetappliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, as well asportable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of suchfunctions.

The MEMs 22B, 21B and 24B may be of any type suitable to the localtechnical environment and may be implemented using any suitable datastorage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flashmemory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices andsystems, fixed memory and removable memory, as non-limiting examples.The DPs 22A, 21A and 24A may be of any type suitable to the localtechnical environment, and may include one or more of general purposecomputers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signalprocessors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processorarchitecture, as non-limiting examples.

FIG. 4 shows the fields of a conventional generic MAC header. Referencein this regard can be had to IEEE Std 802.16e™-2005, generally section6.3.2.1 “MAC header formats.” Note that the MAC header includes theheader type (HT) field. When HT=0, the generic MAC header begins eachMAC PDU containing either MAC management messages or CS data. When HT=1,it indicates a MAC header format without payload.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, a headertype notification (also referred to herein as a HT_Notification or aHT_Notification IE) is provided in a broadcast/unicast message (e.g., ina DL-MAP/R-DL-MAP/UL-MAP/HARQ-MAP IE message). The notification may beprovided burst by burst, or frame by frame, or zone by zone within theframe, as non-limiting examples.

FIG. 5 shows a MAC PDU 10 with a new generic MAC header 20. Thenotification of the presence of the new generic MAC header 20 on theradio link may be made, for example, in a broadcast/unicast message,which is assumed to include at least one bit for defining theHT_Notification IE or a field 25 (see FIG. 6) that specifies a type ofMAC header that is used.

Reference with regard to UL and DL MAP messages may be found in the IEEE802.16e™-2005 specification generally, and also in a publicationentitled: IEEE 802.16 Wireless MAN, “Air Interface for Fixed BroadbandWireless Access Systems.” As is stated on pages 15 and 16, for channelaccess the UL-MAP defines uplink channel access and defines uplink databurst profiles, while the DL-MAP defines the downlink data burstprofiles. The UL-MAP and DL-MAP are both transmitted in the beginning ofeach downlink subframe (FDD and TDD).

FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting example of a TDD DL sub-frame containingDL-MAP and UL-MAP portions that are modified in accordance with theexemplary embodiments of this invention to include HT_Notificationfields 25. Note that in other exemplary embodiments, a different numberof HT_Notification fields (e.g., only one of the HT_Notification fields25) may be present in the UL-MAP and/or the DL-MAP. It should also benoted that the HT_Notification field 25 may be placed anywhere in theDL/UL-MAP.

With the use of HT_Notification field 25, one may define a new genericMAC header on the radio link, without any limitations imposed byconventional (legacy) header types, enabling both the legacy and newheader types to co-exist on a same radio link. In this manner, newdevices can be introduced without affecting support for legacy devices.Furthermore, one may also provide legacy features to new devices in anefficient manner. The HT_Notification field 25 can be provided for oneor both of the UL and DL to introduce new generic MAC headers in eitherdirection.

For example, the exemplary embodiments of this invention can beimplemented for the IEEE 802.16 standard in the following manner (and asimilar technique can be applied to other technologies) in order toprovide header type notification via broadcast/unicast signalingmessages, where it is assumed that the broadcast/unicast signalingmessages define the resource assignment/allocation within the frame.

In WiMAX, the DL-MAP/UL-MAP is used to provide the resource assignmentor allocation within the frame (or next frame) on the access link (BS-MSlink). In a similar manner, the R-MAP/R-DL-MAP/R-UL-MAP may be used toprovide the resource assignment for the frame (or next few frame) on therelay link (e.g., BS-RS, RS-RS links).

The HT_Notification field 25 can be used in theDL-MAP/UL-MAP/R-MAP/R-DL-MAP/R-UL-MAP to indicate the type of headerthat is used to transmit the MAC PDU. The HT_Notification field 25 inthis message informs the receiving node of the type of generic MACheader that is used to transmit the MAC PDU.

There are a number of different ways to implement the use of theHT_Notification field or IE 25.

As one non-limiting example, and for a case where the HT_Notificationfield 25 is inserted into a common part of the broadcast/unicast message(e.g., where resource assignment within the frame is specified and MPDUsare transmitted), then it may be interpreted to apply to the entirety ofthe burst specified in the message.

As another non-limiting example, for a case where the HT_Notificationfield 25 is inserted into an IE that defines the resource assignment forthe MAC PDU transmission for a single burst, then the HT_Notificationfield 25 may apply only to that specific burst.

The HT_Notification field 25 can comprise any suitable number of bits.However, to reduce overhead in broadcast messages, it may be desirableto use as few bits as possible.

Note that the MAC PDU is constructed of three parts. When the MAC PDU istransmitted, only the generic MAC header is mandatory and the otherparts are optional (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

As a non-limiting example, assume that the HT_Notification field 25 isone bit in length. If HT_Notification field=0, then a legacy generic MACheader is used to transmit the MAC PDU (as shown in FIG. 3). However, ifthe HT_Notification field=1, then this is interpreted by the receivingnode (which could be any node shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) that a new(non-legacy) generic MAC header is used to transmit the MAC PDU (asshown in FIG. 5). If two bits are used, then HT_Notification field=00may indicate that a legacy generic MAC header is used to transmit theMAC PDU, while the other possible values (01, 10, 11) specify a type ofnew MAC header that is used to transmit the MAC PDU (e.g., as shown inFIG. 5). In a similar fashion, and as a further non-limiting example,the use of three bits enables the specification of up to seven differenttypes of new MAC headers.

With the aid of the HT_Notification field 25 in theDL-MAP/UL-MAP/R-MAP/R-DL-MAP/R-UL-MAP (or more generally in any resourceassignment message/allocation message), both legacy and newly definedgeneric MAC headers may co-exist in a same radio network and/or on asame radio link.

Note that this feature can be readily implemented as well for relaylinks where there is a need to define a new generic MAC header becauseof inherent limitations and/or overhead of the conventional IEEE 802.16egeneric MAC header. Also, both new and legacy generic MAC headers canco-exist on the relay links such that both newly defined and legacyfeatures can be used.

The advantages that are realized by the use of the exemplary embodimentsof this invention are several. For example, the technique is backwardscompatible. Further, if used for messages between RS 4 and the BS 1, theintroduction of new MAC header types is simplified. Further, thetechnique may be used between the IS and MS 2 so that an “enhanced MS”can also take advantage of this invention with little additionaloverhead.

In general, the exemplary embodiments of this invention provide anenhancement to broadcast/unicast messages (e.g. DL-MAP/R-DL MAP/HARQ-MAPIE/DCD/UCD) to define a MAC header type field to distinguish the use ofMAC headers on the radio link.

Below are provided further descriptions of various non-limiting,exemplary embodiments. The below-described exemplary embodiments areseparately numbered for clarity and identification. This numberingshould not be construed as wholly separating the below descriptionssince various aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments may bepracticed in conjunction with one or more other aspects or exemplaryembodiments.

(1) In one exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 7, a methodcomprising: determining a type of medium access control (MAC) header totransmit in a MAC transmission (71); setting a value of a notificationfield in a resource allocation message based on the determined type ofMAC header (72); and transmitting the resource allocation message (73).

A method as in the previous, wherein the MAC transmission comprises atleast one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). A method as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message is transmitted via a broadcasttransmission. A method as in any above, wherein the resource allocationmessage comprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplink map, a relaymap, a relay downlink map or a relay uplink map. A method as in anyabove, wherein the method is implemented (e.g., utilized, executed) by abase station, an access point or a relay station. A method as in anyabove, wherein the method is utilized (e.g., implemented, executed)within an IEEE 802.16-type wireless communication network.

A method as in any above, wherein the method is implemented (e.g.,utilized, executed) by a base station, an access point or a relaystation of a wireless communication network. A method as in any above,wherein the method is implemented (e.g., utilized, executed) within awireless communication network. A method as in any above, where thenotification field is inserted in a common part of the resourceallocation message where resource allocation within a frame isspecified, and wherein the notification field is (intended) to beinterpreted by a receiving node as applying to an entirety of a burstspecified in the resource allocation message. A method as in any above,where the notification field is inserted into an information elementthat defines a resource allocation for the MAC transmission for a singleburst, and wherein the notification field is (intended) to beinterpreted by a receiving node as applying to only a specific burstspecified in the resource allocation message.

A method as in any above, further comprising: transmitting the MACtransmission. A method as in any above, wherein the MAC transmissioncomprises a broadcast transmission or a unicast transmission. A methodas in any above, wherein the resource allocation message is transmittedvia a unicast transmission. A method as in any above, wherein theresource allocation message comprises a resource assignment message. Amethod as in any above, wherein the notification field comprises aHT_Notification field. A method as in any above, wherein the method isimplemented by a computer program. A method as in any above, wherein themethod is implemented by a computer program stored on a tangible,computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory, a storage device).

(2) In another exemplary embodiment, a program storage device readableby a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable bythe machine for performing operations, said operations comprising:determining a type of medium access control (MAC) header to transmit ina MAC transmission (71); setting a value of a notification field in aresource allocation message based on the determined type of MAC header(72); and transmitting the resource allocation message (73).

A program storage device as in the previous, wherein the MACtransmission comprises at least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). Aprogram storage device as in any above, wherein the resource allocationmessage is transmitted via a broadcast transmission. A program storagedevice as in any above, wherein the resource allocation messagecomprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplink map, a relay map, arelay downlink map or a relay uplink map. A program storage device as inany above, wherein the machine comprises a base station, an access pointor a relay station. A program storage device as in any above, whereinthe machine comprises a node of an IEEE 802.16-type wirelesscommunication network.

A program storage device as in any above, wherein the machine comprisesa base station, an access point or a relay station of a wirelesscommunication network. A program storage device as in any above, whereinthe machine comprises a node of a wireless communication network. Aprogram storage device as in any above, where the notification field isinserted in a common part of the resource allocation message whereresource allocation within a frame is specified, and wherein thenotification field is (intended) to be interpreted by a receiving nodeas applying to an entirety of a burst specified in the resourceallocation message. A program storage device as in any above, where thenotification field is inserted into an information element that definesa resource allocation for the MAC transmission for a single burst, andwherein the notification field is (intended) to be interpreted by areceiving node as applying to only a specific burst specified in theresource allocation message.

A program storage device as in any above, said operations furthercomprising: transmitting the MAC transmission. A program storage deviceas in any above, wherein the MAC transmission comprises a broadcasttransmission or a unicast transmission. A program storage device as inany above, wherein the resource allocation message is transmitted via aunicast transmission. A program storage device as in any above, whereinthe resource allocation message comprises a resource assignment message.A program storage device as in any above, wherein the notification fieldcomprises a HT_Notification field.

(3) In another exemplary embodiment, a computer program productcomprising program instructions embodied on a tangible computer-readablemedium, execution of the program instructions results in operationscomprising: determining a type of medium access control (MAC) header totransmit in a MAC transmission (71); setting a value of a notificationfield in a resource allocation message based on the determined type ofMAC header (72); and transmitting the resource allocation message (73).

A computer program product as in the previous, wherein the MACtransmission comprises at least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). Acomputer program product as in any above, wherein the resourceallocation message is transmitted via a broadcast transmission. Acomputer program product as in any above, wherein the resourceallocation message comprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplinkmap, a relay map, a relay downlink map or a relay uplink map. A computerprogram product as in any above, wherein an apparatus comprises thecomputer readable medium, wherein the apparatus comprises a basestation, an access point or a relay station. A computer program productas in any above, wherein an apparatus comprises the computer readablemedium, wherein the apparatus comprises a node of an IEEE 802.16-typewireless communication network.

A computer program product as in any above, wherein an apparatuscomprises the computer readable medium, wherein the apparatus comprisesa base station, an access point or a relay station of a wirelesscommunication network. A computer program product as in any above,wherein an apparatus comprises the computer readable medium, wherein theapparatus comprises a node of a wireless communication network. Acomputer program product as in any above, where the notification fieldis inserted in a common part of the resource allocation message whereresource allocation within a frame is specified, and wherein thenotification field is (intended) to be interpreted by a receiving nodeas applying to an entirety of a burst specified in the resourceallocation message. A computer program product as in any above, wherethe notification field is inserted into an information element thatdefines a resource allocation for the MAC transmission for a singleburst, and wherein the notification field is (intended) to beinterpreted by a receiving node as applying to only a specific burstspecified in the resource allocation message.

A computer program product as in any above, said operations furthercomprising: transmitting the MAC transmission. A computer programproduct as in any above, wherein the MAC transmission comprises abroadcast transmission or a unicast transmission. A computer programproduct as in any above, wherein the resource allocation message istransmitted via a unicast transmission. A computer program product as inany above, wherein the resource allocation message comprises a resourceassignment message. A computer program product as in any above, whereinthe notification field comprises a HT_Notification field.

(4) In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: means fordetermining (21A) a type of medium access control (MAC) header totransmit in a MAC transmission; means for setting (21A) a value of anotification field in a resource allocation message based on thedetermined type of MAC header; and means for transmitting (21C) theresource allocation message.

An apparatus as in the previous, wherein the MAC transmission comprisesat least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message is transmitted by the means fortransmitting via a broadcast transmission. An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message comprises at least one of adownlink map, an uplink map, a relay map, a relay downlink map or arelay uplink map. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatuscomprises a base station, an access point or a relay station. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a node of anIEEE 802.16-type wireless communication network.

An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a basestation, an access point or a relay station of a wireless communicationnetwork. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises anode of a wireless communication network. An apparatus as in any above,where the notification field is inserted in a common part of theresource allocation message where resource allocation within the frameis specified, and wherein the notification field is (intended) to beinterpreted by a receiving node as applying to an entirety of a burstspecified in the resource allocation message. An apparatus as in anyabove, where the notification field is inserted into an informationelement that defines a resource allocation for the MAC transmission fora single burst, and wherein the notification field is (intended) to beinterpreted by a receiving node as applying to only a specific burstspecified in the resource allocation message.

An apparatus as in any above, further comprising: means for transmitting(21C) the MAC transmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein theMAC transmission comprises a broadcast transmission or a unicasttransmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the resourceallocation message is transmitted (by said means for transmitting 21C)via a unicast transmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein theresource allocation message comprises a resource assignment message. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the notification field comprises aHT_Notification field.

(5) In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: aprocessor configured to determine a type of medium access control (MAC)header to transmit in a MAC transmission and to set a value of anotification field in a resource allocation message based on thedetermined type of MAC header; and a transmitter configured to transmitthe resource allocation message.

An apparatus as in the previous, wherein the MAC transmission comprisesat least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message is transmitted by thetransmitter via a broadcast transmission. An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message comprises at least one of adownlink map, an uplink map, a relay map, a relay downlink map or arelay uplink map. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatuscomprises a base station, an access point or a relay station. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a node of anIEEE 802.16-type wireless communication network.

An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a basestation, an access point or a relay station of a wireless communicationnetwork. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises anode of a wireless communication network. An apparatus as in any above,where the notification field is inserted in a common part of theresource allocation message where resource allocation within the frameis specified, and wherein the notification field is (intended) to beinterpreted by a receiving node as applying to an entirety of a burstspecified in the resource allocation message. An apparatus as in anyabove, where the notification field is inserted into an informationelement that defines a resource allocation for the MAC transmission fora single burst, and wherein the notification field is (intended) to beinterpreted by a receiving node as applying to only a specific burstspecified in the resource allocation message.

An apparatus as in any above, wherein the transmitter is furtherconfigured to transmit the MAC transmission. An apparatus as in anyabove, wherein the MAC transmission comprises a broadcast transmissionor a unicast transmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein theresource allocation message is transmitted (by said transmitter) via aunicast transmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the resourceallocation message comprises a resource assignment message. An apparatusas in any above, wherein the notification field comprises aHT_Notification field.

(6) In another exemplary embodiment, a wireless communication systemnetwork node, such as a base station or access point, that comprises: adetermination unit for determining a type of medium access control (MAC)header to transmit in a MAC transmission; and a setting unit for settinga value of a notification field in a resource allocation message basedon the determined type of MAC header.

An apparatus as in the previous, wherein the MAC transmission comprisesat least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message comprises at least one of adownlink map, an uplink map, a relay map, a relay downlink map or arelay uplink map. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatuscomprises a base station, an access point or a relay station. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a node of anIEEE 802.16-type wireless communication network. An apparatus as in anyabove, further comprising: a transmission unit for transmitting theresource allocation message. An apparatus as in any above, wherein theresource allocation message is transmitted by the transmission unit viaa broadcast transmission.

An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a basestation, an access point or a relay station of a wireless communicationnetwork. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises anode of a wireless communication network. An apparatus as in any above,where the notification field is inserted in a common part of theresource allocation message where resource allocation within the frameis specified, and wherein the notification field is (intended) to beinterpreted by a receiving node as applying to an entirety of a burstspecified in the resource allocation message. An apparatus as in anyabove, where the notification field is inserted into an informationelement that defines a resource allocation for the MAC transmission fora single burst, and wherein the notification field is (intended) to beinterpreted by a receiving node as applying to only a specific burstspecified in the resource allocation message.

An apparatus as in any above, further comprising: a second transmissionunit for transmitting the MAC transmission. An apparatus as in anyabove, wherein the transmission unit comprises the second transmissionunit. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the MAC transmissioncomprises a broadcast transmission or a unicast transmission. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the resource allocation message istransmitted (by said transmission unit) via a unicast transmission. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the resource allocation messagecomprises a resource assignment message. An apparatus as in any above,wherein the notification field comprises a HT_Notification field.

(7) In another exemplary embodiment, a wireless communication systemnetwork node, such as a base station or access point, that comprises:determination circuitry configured to determine a type of medium accesscontrol (MAC) header to transmit in a MAC transmission; and settingcircuitry configured to set a value of a notification field in aresource allocation message based on the determined type of MAC header.

An apparatus as in the previous, wherein the MAC transmission comprisesat least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message comprises at least one of adownlink map, an uplink map, a relay map, a relay downlink map or arelay uplink map. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatuscomprises a base station, an access point or a relay station. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a node of anIEEE 802.16-type wireless communication network. An apparatus as in anyabove, further comprising: transmission circuitry configured to transmitthe resource allocation message. An apparatus as in any above, whereinthe resource allocation message is transmitted by the transmissioncircuitry via a broadcast transmission.

An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a basestation, an access point or a relay station of a wireless communicationnetwork. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprisesanode of a wireless communication network. An apparatus as in any above,where the notification field is inserted in a common part of theresource allocation message where resource allocation within the frameis specified, and wherein the notification field is (intended) to beinterpreted by a receiving node as applying to an entirety of a burstspecified in the resource allocation message. An apparatus as in anyabove, where the notification field is inserted into an informationelement that defines a resource allocation for the MAC transmission fora single burst, and wherein the notification field is (intended) to beinterpreted by a receiving node as applying to only a specific burstspecified in the resource allocation message.

An apparatus as in any above, further comprising: second transmissioncircuitry configured to transmit the MAC transmission. An apparatus asin any above, wherein the transmission circuitry comprises the secondtransmission circuitry. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the MACtransmission comprises a broadcast transmission or a unicasttransmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the resourceallocation message is transmitted (by said transmission circuitry) via aunicast transmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the resourceallocation message comprises a resource assignment message. An apparatusas in any above, wherein the notification field comprises aHT_Notification field. An apparatus as in any above, wherein at leastone of the determination circuitry and the setting circuitry comprisesan integrated circuit.

(8) In another exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 8, amethod comprising: receiving a resource allocation message comprising anotification field (81); and using a value of the notification field todetermine a type of medium access control (MAC) header for a MACtransmission (82).

A method as in the previous, wherein the MAC transmission comprises atleast one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). A method as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message is received via a broadcasttransmission. A method as in any above, wherein the resource allocationmessage comprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplink map, a relaymap, a relay downlink map or a relay uplink map. A method as in anyabove, wherein the method is implemented (e.g., utilized, executed) by auser equipment, a user terminal, a mobile station, a relay station, amobile node, or a subscriber station. A method as in any above, whereinthe method is utilized (e.g., implemented, executed) by a node of anIEEE 802.16-type wireless communication network.

A method as in any above, wherein the method is implemented (e.g.,utilized, executed) by a user equipment, a user terminal, a mobilestation, a relay station, a mobile node, or a subscriber station of awireless communication network. A method as in any above, wherein themethod is implemented (e.g., utilized, executed) by a node of a wirelesscommunication network. A method as in any above, where the notificationfield is located in a common part of the resource allocation messagewhere resource allocation within the frame is specified, and wherein thenotification field is (intended to be) interpreted as applying to anentirety of a burst specified in the resource allocation message. Amethod as in any above, where the notification field is located in aninformation element that defines a resource allocation for the MACtransmission for a single burst, and wherein the notification field is(intended to be) interpreted as applying to only a specific burstspecified in the resource allocation message.

A method as in any above, further comprising: receiving the MACtransmission. A method as in any above, wherein the MAC transmissioncomprises a broadcast transmission or a unicast transmission. A methodas in any above, wherein the resource allocation message is received viaa unicast transmission. A method as in any above, wherein the resourceallocation message comprises a resource assignment message. A method asin any above, wherein the notification field comprises a HT_Notificationfield. A method as in any above, wherein the method is implemented by acomputer program. A method as in any above, wherein the method isimplemented by a computer program stored on a tangible,computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory, a storage device).

(9) In another exemplary embodiment, a program storage device readableby a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable bythe machine for performing operations, said operations comprising:receiving a resource allocation message comprising a notification field(81); and using a value of the notification field to determine a type ofmedium access control (MAC) header for a MAC transmission (82).

A program storage device as in the previous, wherein the MACtransmission comprises at least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). Aprogram storage device as in any above, wherein the resource allocationmessage is received via a broadcast transmission. A program storagedevice as in any above, wherein the resource allocation messagecomprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplink map, a relay map, arelay downlink map or a relay uplink map. A program storage device as inany above, wherein the machine comprises a user equipment, a userterminal, a mobile station, a relay station, a mobile node, or asubscriber station. A program storage device as in any above, whereinthe machine comprises a node of an IEEE 802.16-type wirelesscommunication network.

A program storage device as in any above, wherein the machine comprisesa user equipment, a user terminal, a mobile station, a relay station, amobile node, or a subscriber station of a wireless communicationnetwork. A program storage device as in any above, wherein the machinecomprises a node of a wireless communication network. A program storagedevice as in any above, where the notification field is located in acommon part of the resource allocation message where resource allocationwithin the frame is specified, and wherein the notification field is(intended to be) interpreted as applying to an entirety of a burstspecified in the resource allocation message. A program storage deviceas in any above, where the notification field is located in aninformation element that defines a resource allocation for the MACtransmission for a single burst, and wherein the notification field is(intended to be) interpreted as applying to only a specific burstspecified in the resource allocation message.

A program storage device as in any above, said operations furthercomprising: receiving the MAC transmission. A program storage device asin any above, wherein the MAC transmission comprises a broadcasttransmission or a unicast transmission. A program storage device as inany above, wherein the resource allocation message is received via aunicast transmission. A program storage device as in any above, whereinthe resource allocation message comprises a resource assignment message.A program storage device as in any above, wherein the notification fieldcomprises a HT_Notification field.

(10) In another exemplary embodiment, a computer program productcomprising program instructions embodied on a tangible computer-readablemedium. Execution of the program instructions results in operationscomprising: receiving a resource allocation message comprising anotification field (81); and using a value of the notification field todetermine a type of medium access control (MAC) header for a MACtransmission (82).

A computer program product as in the previous, wherein the MACtransmission comprises at least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). Acomputer program product as in any above, wherein the resourceallocation message is received via a broadcast transmission. A computerprogram product as in any above, wherein the resource allocation messagecomprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplink map, a relay map, arelay downlink map or a relay uplink map. A computer program product asin any above, wherein an apparatus comprises the computer readablemedium, wherein the apparatus comprises a user equipment, a userterminal, a mobile station, a relay station, a mobile node, or asubscriber station. A computer program product as in any above, whereinan apparatus comprises the computer readable medium, wherein theapparatus comprises a node of an IEEE 802.16-type wireless communicationnetwork.

A computer program product as in any above, wherein an apparatuscomprises the computer readable medium, wherein the apparatus comprisesa user equipment, a user terminal, a mobile station, a relay station, amobile node, or a subscriber station of a wireless communicationnetwork. A computer program product as in any above, wherein anapparatus comprises the computer readable medium, wherein the apparatuscomprises a node of a wireless communication network. A computer programproduct as in any above, where the notification field is located in acommon part of the resource allocation message here resource allocationwithin the frame is specified, and wherein the notification field is(intended to be) interpreted as applying to an entirety of a burstspecified in the resource allocation message. A computer program productas in any above, where the notification field is located in aninformation element that defines a resource allocation for the MACtransmission for a single burst, and wherein the notification field is(intended to be) interpreted as applying to only a specific burstspecified in the resource allocation message.

A computer program product as in any above, said operations furthercomprising: receiving the MAC transmission. A computer program productas in any above, wherein the MAC transmission comprises a broadcasttransmission or a unicast transmission. A computer program product as inany above, wherein the resource allocation message is received via aunicast transmission. A computer program product as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message comprises a resource assignmentmessage. A computer program product as in any above, wherein thenotification field comprises a HT_Notification field.

(11) In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: means forreceiving (22C) a resource allocation message comprising a notificationfield; and means for using (22A) a value of the notification field todetermine a type of medium access control (MAC) header for a MACtransmission.

An apparatus as in the previous, wherein the MAC transmission comprisesat least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message is received by the means forreceiving via a broadcast transmission. An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message comprises at least one of adownlink map, an uplink map, a relay map, a relay downlink map or arelay uplink map. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatuscomprises a user equipment, a user terminal, a mobile station, a relaystation, a mobile node, or a subscriber station. An apparatus as in anyabove, wherein the apparatus comprises a node of an IEEE 802.16-typewireless communication network.

An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a userequipment, a user terminal, a mobile station, a relay station, a mobilenode, or a subscriber station of a wireless communication network. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a node of awireless communication network. An apparatus as in any above, where thenotification field is located in a common part of the resourceallocation message where resource allocation within the frame isspecified, and wherein the notification field is (intended to be)interpreted as applying to an entirety of a burst specified in theresource allocation message. An apparatus as in any above, where thenotification field is located in an information element that defines aresource allocation for the MAC transmission for a single burst, andwherein the notification field is (intended to be) interpreted asapplying to only a specific burst specified in the resource allocationmessage.

An apparatus as in any above, further comprising: means for transmitting(21C) the MAC transmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein theMAC transmission comprises a broadcast transmission or a unicasttransmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the resourceallocation message is transmitted (by said means for transmitting 21C)via a unicast transmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein theresource allocation message comprises a resource assignment message. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the notification field comprises aHT_Notification field.

(12) In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: areceiver configured to receive a resource allocation message comprisinga notification field; and a processor configured to use a value of thenotification field to determine a type of medium access control (MAC)header for a MAC transmission.

An apparatus as in the previous, wherein the MAC transmission comprisesat least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message is received by the receiver viaa broadcast transmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein theresource allocation message comprises at least one of a downlink map, anuplink map, a relay map, a relay downlink map or a relay uplink map. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a userequipment, a user terminal, a mobile station, a relay station, a mobilenode, or a subscriber station. An apparatus as in any above, wherein theapparatus comprises a node of an IEEE 802.16-type wireless communicationnetwork.

An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a userequipment, a user terminal, a mobile station, a relay station, a mobilenode, or a subscriber station of a wireless communication network. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a node of awireless communication network. An apparatus as in any above, where thenotification field is located in a common part of the resourceallocation message where resource allocation within the frame isspecified, and wherein the notification field is (intended to be)interpreted as applying to an entirety of a burst specified in theresource allocation message. An apparatus as in any above, where thenotification field is located in an information element that defines aresource allocation for the MAC transmission for a single burst, andwherein the notification field is (intended to be) interpreted asapplying to only a specific burst specified in the resource allocationmessage.

An apparatus as in any above, wherein the receiver is further configuredto receive the MAC transmission. An apparatus as in any above, whereinthe MAC transmission comprises a broadcast transmission or a unicasttransmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the resourceallocation message is received (by said receiver) via a unicasttransmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the resourceallocation message comprises a resource assignment message. An apparatusas in any above, wherein the notification field comprises aHT_Notification field.

(13) In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: areceiver unit for receiving a resource allocation message comprising anotification field; and a determination unit for using a value of thenotification field to determine a type of medium access control (MAC)header for a MAC transmission.

An apparatus as in the previous, wherein the MAC transmission comprisesat least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message is received by the receiver unitvia a broadcast transmission. An apparatus as in any above, wherein theresource allocation message comprises at least one of a downlink map, anuplink map, a relay map, a relay downlink map or a relay uplink map. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a userequipment, a user terminal, a mobile station, a relay station, a mobilenode, or a subscriber station. An apparatus as in any above, wherein theapparatus comprises a node of an IEEE 802.16-type wireless communicationnetwork.

An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a userequipment, a user terminal, a mobile station, a relay station, a mobilenode, or a subscriber station of a wireless communication network. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a node of awireless communication network. An apparatus as in any above, where thenotification field is located in a common part of the resourceallocation message where resource allocation within the frame isspecified, and wherein the notification field is (intended to be)interpreted as applying to an entirety of a burst specified in theresource allocation message. An apparatus as in any above, where thenotification field is located in an information element that defines aresource allocation for the MAC transmission or a single burst, andwherein the notification field is (intended to be interpreted) asapplying to only a specific burst specified in the resource allocationmessage.

An apparatus as in any above, further comprising: a second receiver unitfor receiving the MAC transmission. An apparatus as in any above,wherein the receiver unit comprises the second receiver unit. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the MAC transmission comprises abroadcast transmission or a unicast transmission. An apparatus as in anyabove, wherein the resource allocation message is received (by saidreceiver unit) via a unicast transmission. An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message comprises a resource assignmentmessage. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the notification fieldcomprises a HT_Notification field.

(14) In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: receivercircuitry configured to receive a resource allocation message comprisinga notification field; and determination circuitry configured to use avalue of the notification field to determine a type of medium accesscontrol (MAC) header for a MAC transmission.

An apparatus as in the previous, wherein the MAC transmission comprisesat least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU). An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message is received by the receivercircuitry via a broadcast transmission. An apparatus as in any above,wherein the resource allocation message comprises at least one of adownlink map, an uplink map, a relay map, a relay downlink map or arelay uplink map. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatuscomprises a user equipment, a user terminal, a mobile station, a relaystation, a mobile node, or a subscriber station. An apparatus as in anyabove, wherein the apparatus comprises a node of an IEEE 802.16-typewireless communication network.

An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a userequipment, a user terminal, a mobile station, a relay station, a mobilenode, or a subscriber station of a wireless communication network. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus comprises a node of awireless communication network. An apparatus as in any above, where thenotification field is located in a common part of the resourceallocation message where resource allocation within the frame isspecified, and wherein the notification field is (intended to be)interpreted as applying to an entirety of a burst specified in theresource allocation message. An apparatus as in any above, where thenotification field is located in an information element that defines aresource allocation for the MAC transmission for a single burst, andwherein the notification field is (intended to be) interpreted asapplying to only a specific burst specified in the resource allocationmessage.

An apparatus as in any above, further comprising: second receivercircuitry configured to receive the MAC transmission. An apparatus as inany above, wherein the receiver circuitry comprises the second receivercircuitry. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the MAC transmissioncomprises a broadcast transmission or a unicast transmission. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the resource allocation message isreceived (by said receiver circuitry) via a unicast transmission. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the resource allocation messagecomprises a resource assignment message. An apparatus as in any above,wherein the notification field comprises a HT_Notification field. Anapparatus as in any above, wherein the determination circuitry comprisesan integrated circuit.

(15) In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: receivercircuitry configured to receive a value of a notification field; anddetermination circuitry configured to use the value of the notificationfield to determine a type of medium access control (MAC) header for aMAC transmission. An apparatus as in the previous, further comprisingone or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention asfurther described herein.

(16) A wireless communication system comprising a first apparatus asrecited above in number 4 and a second apparatus as recited above innumber 11. A wireless communication system as in the previous, furthercomprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of theinvention as further described herein.

(17) A wireless communication system comprising a first apparatus asrecited above in number 5 and a second apparatus as recited above innumber 12. A wireless communication system as in the previous, furthercomprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of theinvention as further described herein.

(18) A method comprising the steps of the method as recited above innumber 1 and the steps of the method as recited above in number 8. Amethod as in the previous, further comprising one or more aspects of theexemplary embodiments of the invention as further described herein.

It should be noted that the various blocks shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may beviewed as method steps, and/or as operations that result from operationof computer program code, and/or as a plurality of coupled logic circuitelements constructed to carry out the associated function(s).

The exemplary embodiments of the invention, as discussed above and asparticularly described with respect to exemplary methods, may beimplemented as a computer program product comprising programinstructions embodied on a tangible computer-readable medium. Executionof the program instructions results in operations comprising steps ofutilizing the exemplary embodiments or steps of the method.

The exemplary embodiments of the invention, as discussed above and asparticularly described with respect to exemplary methods, may beimplemented in conjunction with a program storage device readable by amachine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by themachine for performing operations. The operations comprise steps ofutilizing the exemplary embodiments or steps of the method.

It should be noted that the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variantthereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect,between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one ormore intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or“coupled” together. The coupling or connection between the elements canbe physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein twoelements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” together bythe use of one or more wires, cables and/or printed electricalconnections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such aselectromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region,the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible)region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described above primarily inthe context of a WiMAX system, it should be appreciated that theexemplary embodiments of this invention are not limited for use withonly this one particular type of wireless communication system, and thatthey may be used to advantage in other wireless communication systems.

In general, the various exemplary embodiments may be implemented inhardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combinationthereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, whileother aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may beexecuted by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device,although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects ofthe exemplary embodiments of this invention may be illustrated anddescribed as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorialrepresentation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus,systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in,as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purposecircuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or othercomputing devices, or some combination thereof.

As such, it should be appreciated that at least some aspects of theexemplary embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in variouscomponents such as integrated circuit chips and modules. The design ofintegrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complexand powerful software tools are available for converting a logic leveldesign into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be fabricated on asemiconductor substrate. Such software tools can automatically routeconductors and locate components on a semiconductor substrate using wellestablished rules of design, as well as libraries of pre-stored designmodules. Once the design for a semiconductor circuit has been completed,the resultant design, in a standardized electronic format (e.g., Opus,GDSII, or the like) may be transmitted to a semiconductor fabricationfacility for fabrication as one or more integrated circuit devices.

Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplaryembodiments of this invention may become apparent to those skilled inthe relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, any and all suchmodifications will still fall within the scope of the non-limiting andexemplary embodiments of this invention.

For example, while the exemplary embodiments have been described abovein the context of the IEEE 802.16-type of multi-hop system it should beappreciated that the exemplary embodiments of this invention are notlimited for use with only this one particular type of wirelesscommunication system, and that they may be used to advantage in otherwireless communication systems.

Further, the specific name: HT_Notification field or IE is not intendedto be read in a limiting sense, as the specific information containermay be referred to by any desired name.

Further, in another exemplary embodiment HT_Notification can be sentduring a capability exchange message, e.g., SBC-REQ/RSP (see IEEE802.16-2005, sections 6.3.2.3.23 and 6.3.2.3.24). In this embodiment, afirst station notifies a second station that it would likecommunications between said first and second station to make use of aparticular MAC header type or set of header types. The second stationthen confirms or rejects the request. If confirmed, then in subsequentcommunication between these two stations the specified header type orset of header types is used. Alternately, the first station may notifythe second station of its intent to use a particular MAC header type orset of header types without giving the second station the opportunity toconfirm or reject. The above-identified notifications may be applicableto a single direction of communication or to both directions ofcommunication between the first and second station. In these cases, theHT_Notification on a frame-by-frame basis may or may not be used.

Further still, in another exemplary embodiment of this invention theHT_Notification can be sent in periodic broadcast messages, e.g., DCDand UCD. This mode can be used to inform the receiving station(s) thatthe IS only supports a particular set of header types.

Furthermore, some of the features of the various non-limiting andexemplary embodiments of this invention may be used to advantage withoutthe corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoingdescription should be considered as merely illustrative of theprinciples, teachings and exemplary embodiments of this invention, andnot in limitation thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor;and at least one memory operable to store computer program code; andwherein the at least one processor is operable to, using the computerprogram code, cause the apparatus at least to: determine a type ofmedium access control (MAC) header to transmit in a MAC transmission;set a value of a notification field in a resource allocation messagebased on the determined type of MAC header; and transmit the resourceallocation message; and wherein the resource allocation messagecomprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplink map, a relay map, arelay downlink map and a relay uplink map; the notification field islocated in a common part of the resource allocation message; and, thenotification field applies to an entirety of the resource allocationmessage.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the MAC transmissioncomprises at least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU).
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one of a basestation, an access point and a relay station.
 4. An apparatuscomprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory operable tostore computer program code; and wherein the at least one processor isoperable to, using the computer program code, cause the apparatus atleast to: determine a type of medium access control (MAC) header totransmit in a MAC transmission; set a value of a notification field in aresource allocation message based on the determined type of MAC header;and transmit the resource allocation message; and wherein the resourceallocation message comprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplinkmap, a relay map, a relay downlink map and a relay uplink map; thenotification field is located in an information element of the resourceallocation message that defines a resource allocation for the MACtransmission for a single burst; and the notification field applies toonly the burst specified in the information element of the resourceallocation message.
 5. A program storage device readable by a machine,tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machinefor performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving aresource allocation message comprising a notification field; and using avalue of the notification field to determine a type of medium accesscontrol (MAC) header for a MAC transmission; and wherein the resourceallocation message comprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplinkmap, a relay map, a relay downlink map and a relay uplink map; thenotification field is located in a common part of the resourceallocation message; and, the notification field applies to an entiretyof the resource allocation message.
 6. The program storage device ofclaim 5, wherein the MAC transmission comprises at least one MACprotocol data unit (PDU).
 7. The program storage device of claim 5,wherein the resource allocation message is received via a broadcasttransmission.
 8. A program storage device readable by a machine,tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machinefor performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving aresource allocation message comprising a notification field; and using avalue of the notification field to determine a type of medium accesscontrol (MAC) header for a MAC transmission; and wherein the resourceallocation message comprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplinkmap, a relay map, a relay downlink map and a relay uplink map; thenotification field is located in an information element of the resourceallocation message that defines a resource allocation for the MACtransmission for a single burst; and the notification field applies toonly the burst specified in the information element of the resourceallocation message.
 9. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor;and at least one memory operable to store computer program code; andwherein the at least one processor is operable to, using the computerprogram code, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a resourceallocation message comprising a notification field; and use a value ofthe notification field to determine a type of medium access control(MAC) header for a MAC transmission; and wherein the resource allocationmessage comprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplink map, a relaymap, a relay downlink map and a relay uplink map; the notification fieldis located in a common part of the resource allocation message; and, thenotification field applies to an entirety of the resource allocationmessage.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the MAC transmissioncomprises at least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU).
 11. The apparatusof claim 9, wherein the resource allocation message is received via abroadcast transmission.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein theapparatus comprises a mobile station or a relay station.
 13. Anapparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memoryoperable to store computer program code; and wherein the at least oneprocessor is operable to, using the computer program code, cause theapparatus at least to: receive a resource allocation message comprisinga notification field; and use a value of the notification field todetermine a type of medium access control (MAC) header for a MACtransmission; and wherein the resource allocation message comprises atleast one of a downlink map, an uplink map, a relay map, a relaydownlink map and a relay uplink map; the notification field is locatedin an information element of the resource allocation message thatdefines a resource allocation for the MAC transmission for a singleburst; and the notification field applies to only the burst specified inthe information element of the resource allocation message.
 14. A methodcomprising: determining a type of medium access control (MAC) header totransmit in a MAC transmission; setting a value of a notification fieldin a resource allocation message based on the determined type of MACheader; and transmitting the resource allocation message; and whereinthe resource allocation message comprises at least one of a downlinkmap, an uplink map, a relay map, a relay downlink map and a relay uplinkmap; the notification field is located in a common part of the resourceallocation message; and, the notification field applies to an entiretyof the resource allocation message.
 15. The method of claim 14, whereinthe MAC transmission comprises at least one MAC protocol data unit(PDU).
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein transmitting the resourceallocation message comprises transmitting the resource allocationmessage using a broadcast transmission.
 17. The method of claim 14,wherein the method is implemented by at least one of a base station, anaccess point and a relay station.
 18. A method comprising: receiving aresource allocation message comprising a notification field; and using avalue of the notification field to determine a type of medium accesscontrol (MAC) header for a MAC transmission; and wherein the resourceallocation message comprises at least one of a downlink map, an uplinkmap, a relay map, a relay downlink map and a relay uplink map; thenotification field is located in a common part of the resourceallocation message; and, the notification field applies to an entiretyof the resource allocation message.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereinthe MAC transmission comprises at least one MAC protocol data unit(PDU).
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein receiving the resourceallocation message comprises receiving the resource allocation messageusing a broadcast transmission.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein themethod is implemented by at least one of a mobile station and a relaystation.